Brucella Infections in Camels and Abattoir Workers in the United Arab Emirates: One Health-Based Seroepidemiological and Molecular Insights

Brucellosis remains a critical zoonotic disease affecting livestock productivity and human health, especially in regions where intensive livestock husbandry is practiced. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), camels contribute economically and culturally through meat, milk, and racing, yet data on brucellosis in camels and its zoonotic risk remain limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular detection of Brucella species in camels and abattoir workers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. A total of 356 camels from 102 herds, 368 slaughter camels, and 86 abattoir workers were included. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was used for antibody detection, while species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeted Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella ovis in seropositive samples. Herd-level seroprevalence was 10.8% (95% CI: 5.5%–18.5%) and significantly associated with herd size (p < 0.05). Animal seroprevalence was 5.9% (95% confidence level [CI]: 3.7%–8.9%) in field camels and 3.0% (95% CI: 1.51%–5.30%) in slaughtered camels. Seven abattoir workers (8.1%) were seropositive, with butchers at greater risk. By species, B. ovis, B. abortus and B. melitensis were detected in camels, while only B. ovis and B. abortus were in abattoir workers. These findings indicate ongoing zoonotic risks in abattoir settings and support integrated One Health surveillance and control strategies.